The Beginning

Hillestad heating was a start-up company in 1988. 5 dedicated hard working guys, with different expertise, in all different aspects of HVAC joined forces. With a plan that took over a year to develop (as business picked up & grew) the group finally had enough business to sustain and employ all of them. Like most businesses they worked out of personal vans, and garages. For the first year Terry Hillestad’s garage was the main shop. Eventually they had enough business to open an official office, in downtown Lodi, that was in the basement if a dental office.

In 1991, Hillestad bought vacant land in an industrial park to build the first official office and sheet metal shop.

Throughout the years Hillestad has grown and expanded on its own property. Originally many buildings were built with the sole purpose of business / commercial rental space. As time went on, and business continued to grow, existing tenants moved , and leases were not re-newed, therefore Hillestad began occupying their own buildings. Sheetmetal shop alone has moved 3 times alone due to need of a larger space.

PHILOSOPHY

Company’s Focus

At HILLESTAD you get more than technically advanced and reliable heating equipment, you get a highly dedicated customer support team that geographically covers an area between Stoughton and Wisconin Dells. The members of this team are very well trained and can provide you with HVAC services such as servicing existing equipment, Installing new, replacing old, or basic maintenance services.

In the beginning Hillestad focused on residential homes and light commercial. That remains true today. Service and replacement of HVAC equipment with an eye on customer satisfaction.

TIMELINE

Our History

Timeline

2018

March 19

1990’s

The first 10 years saw a lot of growth. (1991) Not only in construction of new rental office buildings but, expanding into rental storage facilities (1992). Also, growth brought the need for larger, newer more reliable fleet vehicles.
The 90’s also saw growth in office locations outside of the main office. It was during the late 90’s Hillestad opened up locations in Madison and Wi Dells. Smaller facilities accommodate the need for basic storage, warehousing, and truck cleaning, supplying and old parts junk removal and recycling.
It was in the 90’s that Mark Trameri focused his phase of the business on Boiler replacements.
Boiler service and replacements are a large part of what HILLESTAD is today. We will continue to service the old and learn and grow with today’s technology into the future.

March 19

2000’s

This decade probably showed the most growth of personnel. Office was understaffed, and grew by 2, with more as part time.
And more help was added to the work force outside of the shop. Many more larger (u-haul type) size used trucks were purchased to keep up with the need of the workload.

March 19

2010 – Present

4 out of the 5 original shareholders have retired. Most of the original owners handed off duties, teaching their job duties to younger, eager people wanting to learn the trade/business. Company currently employs roughly 25 people. The HILLESTAD long-term plan, of new (junior) owners/shareholders have shown to reduce employee turnover. Therefore establishing a stable, ongoing work environment. Hillestad's hiring process includes finding people of all skill levels. We are always looking for experienced people, but we will also train the right candidates that show long-term interest.